Vinexpo organisers say figures down, but confidence up

An early release of Vinexpo attendence figures show a decline in numbers from 2007's event, but organisers are saying that Vinexpo 2009, has marked a turning point in business confidence.

Estimates show that between 46,000 and 47,000 visitors attended the biennial event in 2009, from 135 countries, against 2007's count of 50,000 visitors from 154 countries, meaning that over 3,000 less visitors attended the Vinexpo 2009, from almost 20 less countries.

The decline in visitor numbers is said to be due to fewer representatives from the restaurant, hotel and café sectors, French and foreign retailers, and countries hit hard by economic downturn at home such as South Korea or Taiwan.

President of Vinexpo, Xavier de Eizaguirre, said: "We can be thankful that the 15th Vinexpo exhibition attracted visitors of quality who are now very active in the market place after several months of doubt about the international wine and spirits trade".

"There is no need to be downcast any longer, confidence has returned in all quarters, consumers are buying and the morale of wine buyers and producers is bouyant.

With more than 35% of visitors coming from outside France on the first four days, the fair was attended by more than 15,000 foreign visitors which organisers say confirms the international position and its status as a cross-road of international trade.

A poll among 856 visitors to Vinepo revealed that the exhibition is an opportunity to meet their suppliers (62%), find new suppliers (60%) and find new products (51%). Their satisfaction level with these objectives is said to be very good, between 76% and 80%.- 89% of visitors said they were satisfied with 2009 exhibition, while 29% said they were very satisfied.

Events at Vinexpo were reportedly very well attended with more than 10,000 people attended the busy programme of tastings, discussions, workshops and conferences.